Teton Pass Road (Old Pass Road)

The old Teton Pass Road climbs through some of the most dramatic terrain in the northern Rockies, switchbacking up the western slope of the Teton Range at grades that’ll make your transmission work. This rough-hewn route parallels the modern highway but takes you through aspen groves and alpine meadows that most tourists never see, with Glory Bowl and the backside of Jackson Hole spread out below like a topographic map come to life.

It’s a solid moderate run that demands high-clearance 4WD and patience with loose rock and steep grades. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot, though snow can linger into July at the 8,431-foot pass. No permits needed, but fuel up in Jackson or Victor before you head up — this isn’t a quick grocery run. What you get is solitude, killer photo ops of the Tetons, and bragging rights for taking the hard way over one of Wyoming’s most famous mountain passes.